Vice president for student affairs, Grinnell College, Grinnell

Background: I have worked on seven college campuses, public and private, from 1,500 to 28,000 students - including Iowa State University and Grinnell College.

Notable achievements: Published in multiple publications; leadership roles in international higher education and student affairs organizations; have two perpetual awards named in my honor at Iowa State and the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Wash.

Why I do what I do: I love to be involved in college campus life - seeing students learn, develop and achieve their dreams. There is no more exciting or rewarding place to work than at Grinnell.

What I do to get away from work: Spend time with my family at home and exploring the surrounds; going with college students to see theatre in Des Moines, Minneapolis or New York; I have ISU wrestling season tickets with my son, 7; travel back to my native New Mexico or to the Pacific Northwest.

How I give back to the community: I have joined the Grinnell Chamber of Commerce board and the Grinnell High School Boosters.

Words to live by: "Put people and relationships first." Also, "try and find a both/and solution."

Best book I've read lately: "When You Are Engulfed in Flames," by David Sedaris.

The best place in central Iowa to entertain clients or colleagues: The Depot, Bourbon Street and the A&M Café in Grinnell.

One thing I would change about the Des Moines area: We need a Trader Joe's and more live professional theater.

What Iowa can do to attract more people like me: Continue to improve the diversity and acceptance within the state - in terms of race, sexual orientation, politics, foods, the arts, etc.

My mentor: My first mentor was a favorite teacher of mine in high school in New Mexico, Bob Kurth, who challenged me to make my world bigger and to imagine a life with few limits.

My leadership philosophy: I try hard to know and understand the people with whom and for whom I work - and to be present and positive in their lives.

If I could do something else: Either a major league baseball umpire or a regional theater stage actor.

If you want to contact me: E-mail me at doughart@grinnell.edu.

Know someone we should get to know? E-mail Renda Lutz at rlutz@dmreg.com.